’Twas the night after Quiltmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a Quiltmas Elf…well, actually, this Elf is still up! Hi everyone, Amanda @broadclothstudio here. Art Gallery Fabrics kindly invited me over to talk a little bit about Quiltmas. 

What’s Quiltmas you ask? It’s a fun quilt-y kickoff to the holiday season! Each day starting December 1st and running through the 12th, a new free quilt block pattern is revealed. It’s kinda like half an advent calendar, but instead of chocolate or toys, it’s a PDF quilt block pattern that’s delivered via email. And to add to the fun, each block is designed by a different designer, so there is a great mix of styles and skills (I’m looking at you, EPP!).

It may only be the second year that we’ve hosted Quiltmas, but it’s already become one of my favorite holiday traditions. From the charming festive designs of the quilt blocks, to the holly-jolly jollity that each designer brings to the project; from the joy with which the quilting community gets into the spirit of the daily block reveal, to the enthusiasm as quilters start to make and share their blocks: it’s hard to resist the feeling of merriment. And just like the Grinch, my heart grows with each share, with each block made, and with each word of good cheer.

For Quiltmas 2020 we designed 12” finished blocks, drawing inspiration from some of our favorite holiday movies. And as an extra special treat this year, Art Gallery Fabrics joined in the festivities! All of us Quiltmas Elves were so excited to work with the fabrics from the Sparkler Fusion collection: with its pinks, brick reds, navy blues, deep mint greens, and extra special dashes of bronze sparkles, it was a dreamy modern-holiday color palette to work with!

So, whether you’re looking for a new movie to add to your holiday viewing or a new quilt block to try, I think the 2020 lineup of Quiltmas is sure to inspire!

On the first day of Amanda @broadclothstudio gave to us a whimsical block, Quiltenbaum, based on A Charlie Brown Christmas:

Image courtesy of Broadcloth Studio

On the second day Julie @runningstitchquilts gave to us a playful block, Holiday Lights, based on Deck the Halls:

Image courtesy of Running Stitch Quilts

On the third day Donna @xoxsew gave to us a fun-loving block, Nakatomi, based on Die Hard:

Image courtesy of XOXSEW

On the fourth day Fran @cottonandjoy gave to us a jolly block, St. Nick, based on Miracle on 34^th Street:

Image courtesy of Cotton + Joy

On the fifth day Wendy @the.weekendquilter gave to us a merry block, Santa’s Helper, based on Elf:

Image courtesy of The Weekend Quilter

On the sixth day Laurel @porcupinesews_threads gave to us a tippy-top block, Retro Ornaments, based on Eloise at Christmastime:

Image courtesy of PorcupineSews Threads

On the seventh day Tiffany @villageboundquilts gave to us a festive block, Warm Glow, based on The Muppets Christmas Carol:

Image courtesy of Village Bound Quilts

On the eighth day Dash @smithsgeneralstudio gave to us a winsome block, Winter Warmer, based on The Santa Clause:

Image courtesy of Smith’s General

On the ninth day Ben @benmillett gave to us an enchanting block, Toy Soldiers, based on Babes in Toyland:

Image courtesy of Ben Millett

On the tenth day Shannon @shannonfraserdesigns gave to us a delicious block, Jolly Jelly, based on National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation:

Image courtesy of Shannon Fraser Designs

On the eleventh day Anna @waxandwanestudio gave to us a dreamy block, What’s This, based on Nightmare Before Christmas:

Image courtesy of Wax and Wane Studio

And on the twelfth day Amanda @broadclothstudio gave to us a lovely block, Heart In Hand, based on Serendipity:

Image courtesy of Broadcloth Studio

While all the blocks were designed as standalone patterns, they look charming together (if I do say so myself!). I made nine of the blocks this year and turned them into a sampler style quilt, which I absolutely adore. But, I think it could also be so much fun to turn the blocks into a fun table runner, a set of placemats, or as a couple throw pillows!  If you’re looking for some ideas for how to use your blocks in a larger project, I’ve got some ideas for you over on Broadcloth Studio.

Image courtesy of Broadcloth Studio

If you missed this year’s festivities, never fear! The 12 days of the Quiltmas Spectacular might be over for this year, but you can still sign up to get all the free quilt block patterns here (just make sure to sign up before the end of the year as the download links will disappear in 2021).

And then make sure to sign up for Art Gallery Fabric’s awesome giveaway: one lucky will be chosen to win a Fat Quarter bundle of Sparkler Fusion fabrics and all you have to do for a chance to win is to enter your information below and hit "subscribe"! 

The giveaway ends December 21st, 2020, and the winner will be emailed and announced right here on the blog on Tuesday, December 22nd.  And as a little bonus, if you already signed up for the Quiltmas Spectacular emails, you're automatically entered in the giveaway, so by signing up above, you'll get two entries!